How old is it, or what model is it? Take some pics of the machine so we can help you figure it out.

Also, there will be model number plate somewhere on the machine- Kenmore is usuall a three digit followed by a four digit number. If you have the model number, you can probably google up the maunal for the machine.

I tried that....I couldn't find it. It's model 158.10600 serial #0002632 it's a sears roebuck and co.

The red button on the side kicks the leg out and idk what that would even be for.

Here ya go for threading:

http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diagrams/Threading_Pages/Kenmore_Sewing_Machine_Threading/kenmore_1060_threading_diagram.htm

If you want to order a manual: http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Manuals/Kenmore_Manuals/1060_Instruction_Manual.htm

Thank you!!!

I have never seen a machine with legs like that.

The explanation is that the machine sits rather tall and the adjustable legs expand to give it a wider base to rest on . That red button releases a spring loaded mechanism that releases the leg.

I have been sewing for almost 60 years and have owned many a sewing machine in those years, but I have never seen this feature on a sewing machine. I have even owned a couple of Kenmores and I even worked at Sears and sold them for a while.

This is new to me.

Anyway, it looks like a basic machine with stitch selector, stitch width and length. Most basic machine instructions should apply.

i love the old fashioned mechanical model machines and have no desire to have anything on my machine have a computer or electronic setting on it.

Those old Kenmores with the sliding buttonhole foot make some nice and easy buttonholes.

What are all of these feet and how do I use them!!!

The white plastic ones are sliding buttonhole feet and the one that is foremost in the photo looks as if it may be the shank that you attach them to. The number on each is the size of button. You actually place one of the buttons in the foot and the machine is going to use that as a quide to make the correct lenght buttonhole. I remember that they used to make pretty nice buttonholes.

I sold machines at Sears in the 90s and I have never seen one with an extended base with legs like that.

Your machine converts to a free arm sewing platform that enables sewing around narrow and small areas. With the notions case in place it is full sewing bed.

My Bernina has the convertible free arm but it has a solid base. Since this Kenmore has no wide and solid base, they have added an extension leg. I suspect that this was something that came about after I quit selling them and was likely a shortlived feature as it contributes nothing to the function of the machine. It looks to me something of misstep to design it like that.

Think about it. The machine has no wide base to keep it from tipping forward. I would consider that to be a design flaw, and may explain why it is unusual.

The 158 in the model number indicates the manufacutuer, or source. I think I remenber it was some Japanese company making them back then. I seem to recall that it was Janome, but could be wrong on that.

You can start by doing a search of sliding buttohole feet.

Other than having a strange pair of legs on it, it is just a very basic sewing machine. For someone here to explain all of those little pieces to you here would be awkward.

You need to do some googling. Most general information is relevant to most basic machines, and this is a pretty basic machine, aside from the wierd legs. Most of them thread up the in the same manner.

They are pretty standard machine feet, bobbin, etc. You may need a thumb screw to hold the feet on. If you need replacement parts you can go to one of the online parts distributors. Go to sewingparts online and you will likely see some of the little parts and can identiy them . Dont be surprised to see that some Janome parts might be interchangable with this one.

Yes it is very short lived. The link I was given for the manual was a fraud and you can't find the manual anywhere. I google lens the feet and every single piece I found was in a Chinese or Japanese language. I don't even know how to start googling. Everything I Google brings me to the more popular 158 models. I guess it'll be a guessing game for a while.

How do these

The link I was given for the manual was a fraud and you can't find the manual anywhere.

Sewusa.com is not a fraud. They've been around a long time. What makes you say that?

I bought a manual from them and everything is not in service...email, phone, etc. No manual. No help. I read other reviews just like mine stating the same thing. Paid for nothing basically. Put a claim in with

Maybe the machine was only distributed in another country, like Japan for instance. I know that I have never seen one like it with legs and I have owned many machines, sewed for over 60 years and evern sold Kenmore sewing machines back in the 90s.

As to whether or not Sewusa is still in business, I have no idea. Sewingparts online has been a good resource for me.

Really it is just a machine that functions like any other. Most general machine advice will be relevant to yours. You are going to need to do some googling. You dont really need a guide specifically for that one. If you do find one, you may be disappointed at how little it will actually add to your knowledge of the machine.

Most basic machines are pretty much the same. Despite the wierd legs on it, it is a basic machine with a traditional threading and low shank presser feet and settings for stitch length and width.

I feel that this is probably a Janome made machine, thus the Japanese language.

The Sewusa site gave you a threading diagram. It is the same as most other machines.

Is it possible that you are new to using sewing machines? You did not say what your experience is. It could be daunting if you are not familiar with them, in general.

the 158 is just the source number. the real model numbers are the digits that follow.

I have an old Kenmore too! Wrong one or I'd scan the manual for you. Mine is also a 158, and completely different (1969 instead of your late 70s). From what I understand, 158 means it was made in Japan by Maruzen.

Is this your model? It looks like a nicely setup machine: http://www.ashleyandthenoisemakers.com/blog/2014/12/27/kenmore-1581060-review

Yes! That's the only forum that has helped me! I'm slowly learning little bits. Yea it says on it that it was made in Japan. Its a nice little machine.

Courtney, did you get squared away? There has recently been discussion of the machine on one on the Kenmore forums on io.

https://groups.io

The group name is Vintage Kenmore sewing. You must sign up to participate. I belong so several vintage sewing groups, including this one and several other vintage kemore groups. Lots of very helpful folks on all of these.

https://groups.io/login?r=https%3A%2F%2Fgroups.io%2Fg%2FVintageKenmoresSew%2Ftopics

I have a couple of 1040 (158.1040) but they seem different that the 158.106x

Try YouTube as well.

Courtney, the top picture is a zipper foot. The center piece rides on the zipper teeth and is movable side to side to sew along the zipper teeth. Other pics for buttonholes. I also have a Kenmore. Tough machines.